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Photo by Connor Danylenko
Winter is the time of year when you most want to hunker down, and home and maybe enjoy a good book in front of a roaring fire or a great box set on the sofa. So, it’s fair to say that the last thing you want is for disaster to strike and your home rendered less cosy and hospitable than it should be!
Unfortunately, winter is a time when things often do go wrong around the home, but if you know about the most common winter woes that can take place, and how to avoid them, hopefully, they won’t come along to ruin your season.
1. Tree Lopping to Stop the windows Breaking
Let’s start with why you might need some tree lopping in your winter life. Those beautiful trees that provide shade in summer can turn into potential window-smashing hazards when winter winds howl. Get ahead of the game by trimming any overhanging branches. It’s like telling your trees, “I appreciate you, but please keep your limbs to yourself.”
2. Gutter Clearing Can Prevent Water Damage
Gutters clogged with leaves and debris are a recipe for disaster. When they overflow, you risk water damage to your home’s walls and foundations. Clearing them out is about as fun as watching paint dry, but it’s a lot cheaper than repairing water damage. Think of it as a workout with a side of home preservation.
3. Boiler Check-Up: The Heat is On
Your boiler is like the unsung hero of your home. Show it some love with a pre-winter check-up. There’s nothing worse than finding out your boiler has gone on strike during a frosty morning. Regular maintenance can keep it running smoothly and keep you from turning into a human icicle.
4. Draft Proofing to Keep the Cold Out
Drafty windows and doors are like invisible thieves stealing your heat. Seal any gaps with draft excluders or weather stripping. It’s a simple fix that can save you a bundle on heating bills and make your home as cosy as a bear’s den.
5. Insulation Inspection to Keep Ut Warm (and Affordable)
Proper insulation is like a warm hug for your house. Check your loft or attic to make sure it’s up to snuff. A well-insulated home retains heat better, meaning you won’t have to crank up the thermostat and face the wrath of a scary heating bill.
6. Pipe Insulation: Avoid the Big Freeze
Frozen pipes are about as much fun as a polar bear plunge. Insulating them can prevent a burst pipe disaster. Trust me, a bit of foam tubing is a lot cheaper than calling out an emergency plumber at midnight.
7. Emergency Kit: Be Prepared
Winter can be unpredictable. Keep an emergency kit with essentials like torches, batteries, blankets, and a good book (because let’s face it, if the power goes, you might as well catch up on some reading). It’s like a winter survival kit – just add hot chocolate.
8. Chimney Sweeping to Avoid the Flue Fiasco
If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace, make sure your chimney is swept before you start roasting those chestnuts. It minimizes the risk of chimney fires and carbon monoxide build-up. Plus, it’s practically a tradition!
Winter disasters around the home can, as you can see, for the most part, be avoided if you know what you are looking for and what to do about them, so stay vigilant and keep cosy.